Sadhvi Bhagawati, secretary-general of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and president of Rishikesh-based Divine Shakti Foundation, addressed the recently concluded Parliament of Religions which was held in Chicago, Illinois. Over 6500 people from nearly 100 countries, attended the event that was themed "A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom and Human Rights."
(Caption: On the main stage of the Parliament of Religions, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, secretary-general of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and president of Divine Shakti Foundation, based at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh,leads religious leaders and religious communities from around the world in a pledge to not only pray for peace and environmental sustainability, but also to work for it!)
Bhagawati spoke in seven sessions on a wide range of topics, including Faith for the Earth and Faith for Water, both of which examined the role of faith leaders and faith communities in protecting and preserving Mother Earth and water. She also spoke on two panels about female leaders namely "Women of Faith as Peacebuilders" and "Women Faith Leaders as Critical Catalysts for a Peaceful and Sustainable World."
In a session on climate repentance, Bhagawati led the audience and all of the leaders on the Parliament’s main stage to make a sankalp (pledge) that they would not only pray to mitigate climate change and protect our environment but that they would actually make efforts to protect and preserve Mother Earth.
During her visit to Chicago, she was also hosted by the AJC (American Jewish Committee) for a special evening to discuss India-Israel relations, as well as Hinduism and Judaism, a news release noted.
Others digitaries who attended the event included Congressman Bobby Rush, Congressman of Chicago, Preeta Bansal, global chair of the United Religions Initiative and a former chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Justice R. F. Nariman, former justice of the Supreme Court of India, Jerry White, executive director of United Religions Initiative and Marianne Williamson, candidate for President of the United States, a bestselling author, non-profit and political activist, and spiritual thought leader, to name a few.
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(Caption: At Parliament of Religions Sadhvi with Marianne Williamson, candidate for President of the United States and world renowned author, speaker and leader)
(Caption: Sadhvi with Rabbi Noam Marans, international Director of inter-religious, and inter-cultural affairs for the American Jewish committee.)
(Caption:In a special panel at the Parliament of Religions titled Faith for the Earth, the leaders raise their hands in a pledge to work and live to protect and preserve our Mother Earth. (left to right): Dr. Charles McNeill, Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Rainforest Action Network, Sadhviji, Rev. Michael Beckwith, founder of Agape Spiritual Center, Los Angeles, Rabbi David Rosen CBE KSG, Special Advisor to the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. and Bhaisahib Mohinder Singh OBE KSG chairman of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha UK.)
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